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There are two associations of the term Flying Scotsman in the British railway system:
- The 10 a.m. departure from London's Kings Cross station to Edinburgh, the down train and its compatriot leaving Edinburgh Waverley to London, the up train have traditionally been known by this name since June 1862. In 1862, the journey time was ten hours 30 minutes. This service is known as The Flying Scotsman.
- A3 Pacific locomotive number 4472 (originally no. 1472) of the London and North Eastern Railway company, built in 1923, Doncaster to a design of Sir Nigel Gresley. It ended service with British Rail in 1963, and was sold to preservation, initially to Alan Pegler who saved the locomotive from being scrapped. It is frequently referred to as the most famous steam locomotive in the world. It went on a tour of the USA and was also at the bi-centenary of Australia.
Specifciation of Flying Scotsman GRESLEY A3 Pacific
Built 1923
Designer Sir Nigel Gresley
Engine 3-cyl, double-acting
Weight 350,000 lbs.
Length 70 feet
Height 13 feet
Driving Wheel diameter 80 inches
Top speed 110 m.p.h.
Distance travelled 2,000,000 miles
Effective Traction 600 tons
In 1995 the Flying Scotsman was in pieces and was facing an uncertain future at Southall depot in West London due to the enormous cost of restoration and refurbishment necessary to meet the stringent engineering standards required for main line operation today.
In 1996 Dr. Tony Marchington purchased the Flying Scotsman and has restored it to its former magnificent glory at a cost of some £750,000.
In 2004 the Flying Scotsman was for sale, but was purchased by the National Railway Museum in York and is now part of the national collection.
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